The Vatican City State, a sovereign entity within Rome, is not governed by a president. The head of state is the Pope, who also serves as the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church. He holds legislative, executive, and judicial powers within the Vatican. The current Pope is Pope Francis, elected in 2013.
Understanding this leadership structure is vital for comprehending the Vatican’s unique role. The Pope’s dual function as both religious leader and head of state intertwines spiritual authority with political governance. This connection impacts not only the Catholic Church’s 1.3 billion members worldwide but also international relations due to the Vatican’s sovereign status and diplomatic influence.
